Hardly Electronic - The Essex Green

Hardly Electronic

The Essex Green

Merge LC 29279

2018

Back in the late 1990s and early 2000s I was heavily into the Elephant 6 bands and this group was one of my big faves.  I used to listen to their "Everything is Green" CD all the time and would dearly love to see it reissued on vinyl someday.  They came to town on tour with another band I liked, the Ladybug Transistor (Jeff Baron and Sasha Bell were in both bands at the time.)  I got all excited but life intervened and I missed the show.  It bugged me for years and it only got worse when the Essex Green broke up.  Then 12 years after their final album, this album appeared and the band went on tour.  I finally got to see them at the Zebulon and it was worth the wait.  I had a great time and they sounded wonderful.  I was hoping they would keep going but then the pandemic hit and the band appears to be hibernating again.  If this is the end, it is a wonderful way to finish.  The album opens with the irresistible "Sloane Ranger" which I think is one of their best ever songs.  I'm not sure what is the connection to the British social stereotype mentioned in the title but it seems to be a paean to escape and freedom.  It features an exhilarating organ riff and a propulsive rhythmic drive that makes it very exciting.  I can't help bopping around when I listen to it.  I played it over and over when I got the album and it was the highlight of their show at the Zebulon for me.  "The 710" continues in a similar power pop vein.  It is sweetly sung by Bell as she describes a romantic adventure.  The chorus is extremely catchy and inviting.  "Don't Leave It in Our Hands" is the most remarkable song on the album and again one of the best things they've ever done.  It opens with a killer rhythm track upon which are layered multiple vocal lines and soaring harmonies.  The rousing chorus swells like the Arcade Fire at their best.  The lyrics are poetic and enigmatic but I interpret them as a warning against the alienating influence of social media and cellphones on the younger generation.  The lyrics are ominous but the music is  stirring, almost ecstatic.  A truly great song.  The tone shifts dramatically with the tender chamber pop of "In the Key of Me" which features introspective lyrics about a relationship that seem autobiographical.  The song is delicately crooned by Bell until the poppy middle section which sounds like radiant sunshine pop.  "Modern Rain" is more melodic chamber pop driven by electric piano and featuring lovely harmonies.  I think it is a song about creativity but I find it ambiguous. Side two opens with the upbeat "Catatonic" which has a sunshine pop sound and an ebullient vocal from Bell.  "Patsy Desmond" is a haunting moody song that recalls the singer's experiences with the title character.  The lyrics are poetic and evocative and I find the song very compelling.  There is another dramatic tone shift with "Bye Bye Crow" which is a jaunty country rocker.  "Another Story" dissects a female acquaintance with a classic pop sound that evokes the 1960s but still sounds modern in the classic Elephant 6 manner.  It really pushes my buttons with its punchy rhythm section and ringing riff.  The album concludes with "Bristol Sky" which has a folky flavor with chamber pop flourishes and more poetic and enigmatic lyrics.  It gives the album a gentle yet resonant finish.  I should note that the CD version of this album has 4 additional songs which I'm a little miffed about.  They are all good although the only one I really miss is "Smith & 9th" and if I were programming the vinyl I would have swapped it for "Bye Bye Crow."  I'm a big fan of Merge and appreciate them releasing this record but I don't think omitting those songs treats it or vinyl buffs fairly.  I don't like ranking albums, but I think this may be the best album the Essex Green have ever made.  It's maturity, lyrical depth and sonic richness impress me and I'm hoping I won't have to wait until 2030 to hear their next one.  Recommended to fans of early Belle and Sebastian.